Letter to the Editor - Rosas speaks out about Fiesta

Published 8:30 am, Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I spoke to (Jim Landtroop's) campaign manager on Thursday afternoon about the booth (at Fiesta Campesina). I did tell him how much it cost, and his response was . . . no money was available. I then advised him that his committee wouldn't be able to campaign at the event. At no time did I mention to the campaign manager that they were not to show up.

On Friday, the campaign manager called and spoke to my employee. I . . . told her to call back and advised them that they were not considered non-profit because it was a political campaign. I also said that I have already spoke to him, so why would they go through as a non-profit after I spoken to them?

At the event (Landtroop showed) up with 14 people in red shirts with his campaign name and other words. When I (saw) him, I did call his attention. At no time did I ask for him to leave. I know I cannot ask anyone to leave the public park; I learned that eight years ago. When the officer spoke to me, I agreed he could not be asked to leave.

I did mention to the officer that I had advised them not to campaign, not only once, but twice. As Landtroop mentioned he was not handing out campaign material, but what do you call introducing himself and shaking hands and talking about politics for three hours, meeting all the people at the fiesta. In my experience when I ran for city council, introducing myself, shaking hands and talking about politics, they called it politicking.

In my opinion I call him a cheapskate. For him to say he was not aware until he got there is wrong! If he had a good campaign manager, he should have been told, and none of this would have happened.

Who is Landtroop? A person not knowing about his community! Trying to save money for his ads, posters, T-shirts, etc. He made excuses and wants Hale County to believe and trust him. (I don't!) If Landtroop (did) this in Plainview at Fiesta Campesina, can you imagine what he would do in Austin?

What upset me the most was he was politicking. I also cannot comprehend how a "dedicated" candidate would have no knowledge about the event he attended.

By not paying, (he took) funds from Fiesta Campesina scholarships. Mr. Landtroop also stated that he was not aware the proceeds go to a fund for scholarships. Can you imagine him saying that in Austin? "I was not aware . . . If I had been told." Are these good excuses?

I am not going to let one political candidate intimidate the Fiesta Campesina. There were 3,500 people that saw and others heard what Landtroop and his family did was wrong! What happened to being honest, trustworthy and generous?